Sesame Sauce

This sauce is delicious drizzled over tofu, salad, cooked soba noodles or steamed or grilled vegetables.

Ingredients

4 Tbs. sesame seeds

1/3 cup light silken tofu or soy mayo

1 tsp. toasted sesame oil

1 Tbs. rice vinegar

1 Tbs. plus 1 tsp. soy sauce

2 1/2 Tbs. mirin

2 Tbs. sugar

Preparation

Make dressing: In small skillet over medium heat, lightly toast sesame seeds until golden brown. Transfer seeds to small dish to cool.

In food processor fitted with metal blade, puree tofu and toasted sesame seeds. Add oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, mirin, sugar and 1 tablespoon water and blend until creamy. Use right away or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature and stir well before using.

Furikake, a Japanese rice seasoning, adds subtle taste and texture to this salad. To make your own furikake, crumble 1 sheet of nori (toasted seaweed used to wrap sushi) and toss with 2 tsp. toasted sesame seeds and 1/4 tsp. sea salt.